Chelsea announce Asia tour

07 February 2013 02:17

European champions Chelsea revealed on Thursday that they are to play friendly matches in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia during a pre-season tour of Asia in July this year.

Chelsea last toured Asia at the beginning of last season, which culminated in victories for the London club in the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Chelsea will play a Thailand All-Star XI in the Singha Cup at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on July 17, followed by a game with a Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur four days later.

They will then play in Indonesia for the very first time on July 25, with a game against an Indonesia XI scheduled to take place at the 88,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

"It is fantastic that we will be returning to Asia for what promises to be an excellent pre-season tour," said Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay.

"South-east Asia remains home to an ever-growing and passionate Chelsea FC support and it gives me great pleasure that we will again be able to experience that wonderful hospitality.

"In particular I look forward to visiting Indonesia for the first time, a country where we have an extensive fan base that is eager to see Chelsea play."

As yet, Chelsea have not appointed a manager beyond the end of this season, with Rafael Benitez currently in charge on an interim basis.